Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Familiar Yet New


"Are you unpacked?" That's the question I have been asked lately.

"No, but I'm getting there." I'm still looking for ways to organize this new house in between finding my way in an unfamiliar city, cooking, doing laundry, and unpacking another box.

An interesting discovery has been how my morning times in the Scriptures and prayer have grounded me. In a time of unfamiliar roads, grocery stores, and light switches, when I sit in the same brown chair, though in a different room with a new view, I am "home." The same Lord, the same Word who spoke so regularly in the old place still speaks here.

This morning I read from Hebrews 4, a chapter which continues to intrigue me as I discover its gems.

"Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts."
(verse 7)

"Today ... hear his voice" eased into my heart.

Not long after is this recognizable verse (12):

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Today I can hear the living word of God. Today that word can speak cleansing. Today I can have confidence in the Word who is also my High Priest. He sympathizes with my displacement and gives me rest even when the work of unpacking and reorganizing stares me down (see verses 14-16).

So in the midst of the unfamiliar, I am confident. His familiar voice speaks what I need to know or remember.

Today I will unpack my heart with my High Priest, confident of His help as I call on him for the most mundane things. That's when I "receive mercy and find grace to help ... in ... time of need."

That familiar voice speaks a new word this day. What a solace in my time of upheaval!

For Your Consideration

What do you need to unpack with Jesus Christ, our High Priest?

If you are in a challenging day, what 'new' word do you need?